14-Year-Old Vermont Teen Makes History as Youngest Gubernatorial Candidate
In an unprecedented political development, Dean Roy, a 14-year-old freshman at Stowe High School, has secured a place on Vermont's general election ballot for governor this November. This historic candidacy marks the first time a candidate under 18 will appear on the state's gubernatorial ballot, challenging conventional expectations about age and political leadership.
Unconventional Path to the Ballot
Roy's remarkable journey to the ballot began with his service as a legislative page at the Vermont Statehouse last year. Recognizing Vermont's unique constitutional provisions—which impose no minimum age for gubernatorial candidates, requiring only four years of state residency—Roy created his own political entity, the Freedom and Unity party. This contrasts sharply with nearly all other states, where age requirements typically begin at 30 years old. In Kansas, for instance, lawmakers introduced a 25-year-old minimum in 2018 following a wave of teenage candidates.
"I don't expect necessarily to win," Roy stated candidly. "What I do expect is to start the movement, and get more young people to come in behind me and say, 'Yeah, we also want to make change.'"
Challenging the Status Quo
Undeterred by his youth, Roy has positioned his campaign as a direct challenge to established political norms. "I know it sounds crazy, a 14-year-old running for governor, but honestly, look at the people in charge right now," he posted on his campaign's Instagram page. "They've been doing this forever and things still aren't working."
Roy has prioritized housing as Vermont's most critical issue and has considered practical solutions for balancing school with potential gubernatorial duties, suggesting online classes and completing homework after work hours. He identifies with neither major party, positioning himself as an independent voice for change.
Mixed Reactions and Constitutional Debate
The candidacy has sparked both support and skepticism. Peter Teachout, a professor at Vermont Law and Graduate School, offers a different interpretation of the state's constitution, pointing to a clause that defines voter eligibility at 18 years old. "In theory, a 4-year-old could run for governor. Should we be worried about it? No," he remarked. "Vermonters can be a little cantankerous and provocative just for the fun of it, but it is not something they are likely to support in this context."
Current Governor Phil Scott, a Republican, commended Roy's political engagement but expressed reservations. Through press secretary Amanda Wheeler, the governor stated: "He believes it's important for our youth to get involved. But the Governor also believes that a teenager may not be best suited to serve in that role given the lack of experience and lived perspectives youth have at that point in their lives."
Support from Those Who Know Him
Despite broader skepticism, Roy has garnered strong support from those familiar with his character. James Carpenter, his former history teacher, describes Roy as an "old soul" with boundless curiosity. "It just really shows what type of kid Dean is. He's very earnest in what he's doing. There's no gimmick behind this," Carpenter said. "I think he blends that youthful optimism with some pragmatism that few kids have."
A Movement Beyond Winning
Roy firmly rejects the notion that age determines a candidate's fitness for office. "What I'm aiming for is that these career politicians look at me and they say, 'Oh my God, he actually has a chance to disrupt things,'" he declared. "If I can get people to think that I am a threat to them, then I know that's been a success. Because what I want is to show them that the youth have a voice. We're gonna make change. The future is now."
As November approaches, Roy's campaign represents more than just a political bid—it symbolizes a growing movement of youth engagement in politics, challenging traditional barriers and inspiring a new generation to participate in democratic processes.
